Monthly Archives: March 2017

Abrasive blasting, also known as sandblasting and grit blasting, is an extremely useful method of cleaning different surfaces. Its use is not limited to cleaning, however, as it is also applied to artistic purposes, such as in the making of signage with glass, lumber or stone.

A sandblaster in NZ like Euro-Blast NZ Ltd typically uses these tools or equipment: an air compressor, nozzles and the media that makes sandblasting possible. Although it is still largely referred to as sandblasting, there are different media other than sand.

These are some of the most commonly used abrasives for blasting purposes:

aluminium oxide

aluminium shot

glass beads

crushed glass

corn cob

chilled iron grit

coal slag

steel grit

garnet

plastic media

dry ice

nickel slag

walnut shells (typically used to prevent damaging the underlying material, as fruit kernels and nut shells are softer alternatives)

silica sand (not allowed in some countries)

cut wire

corn starch and wheat starch

sodium bicarbonate

steel shot

stainless steel shot

copper shot

zinc shot

As for the different applications of sandblasting or abrasive blasting, here are some examples:

Pre-treatment used before paint spraying, coating and electroplating, among others. The blasting effectively cleans the surface for maximum adhesion and to prevent corrosion.

Restoring paint grain pattern.

Removing the residue or dirt after welding and similar heat treatments. Abrasive blasting can even remove tiny burrs for precision cleaning requirements.

Eliminating corrosion on metals. This is commonly done at auto shops that perform repainting.

Reducing or eliminating stress and enhancing metal surface hardness.

Carving patterns on different types of material, from metals to stone to lumber.

Applying effects or marks on jeans.

Stone markings, such as those found on graphite and marble headstones.

In some instances, especially when a coarse material is used for blasting, you may witness sparks or light upon impact. The colour and size of the sparks may give you an idea what media is used. Steel shot usually gives off bright orange sparks and garnet results in a faint blue glow.

Abrasive blasting, also known as sandblasting and grit blasting, is an extremely useful method of cleaning different surfaces. Its use is not limited to cleaning, however, as it is also applied to artistic purposes, such as in the making of signage with glass, lumber or stone.

A sandblaster in NZ like Euro-Blast NZ Ltd typically uses these tools or equipment: an air compressor, nozzles and the media that makes sandblasting possible. Although it is still largely referred to as sandblasting, there are different media other than sand.

These are some of the most commonly used abrasives for blasting purposes:

aluminium oxide

aluminium shot

glass beads

crushed glass

corn cob

chilled iron grit

coal slag

steel grit

garnet

plastic media

dry ice

nickel slag

walnut shells (typically used to prevent damaging the underlying material, as fruit kernels and nut shells are softer alternatives)

silica sand (not allowed in some countries)

cut wire

corn starch and wheat starch

sodium bicarbonate

steel shot

stainless steel shot

copper shot

zinc shot

As for the different applications of sandblasting or abrasive blasting, here are some examples:

Pre-treatment used before paint spraying, coating and electroplating, among others. The blasting effectively cleans the surface for maximum adhesion and to prevent corrosion.

Restoring paint grain pattern.

Removing the residue or dirt after welding and similar heat treatments. Abrasive blasting can even remove tiny burrs for precision cleaning requirements.

Eliminating corrosion on metals. This is commonly done at auto shops that perform repainting.

Reducing or eliminating stress and enhancing metal surface hardness.

Carving patterns on different types of material, from metals to stone to lumber.

Applying effects or marks on jeans.

Stone markings, such as those found on graphite and marble headstones.

In some instances, especially when a coarse material is used for blasting, you may witness sparks or light upon impact. The colour and size of the sparks may give you an idea what media is used. Steel shot usually gives off bright orange sparks and garnet results in a faint blue glow.

The terms “prison” and “jail” are tricky. In fact, people often use them interchangeably. Although quite similar, there is still a marked difference between them. “Jail” is where a person stays while awaiting trial, while a prison is where felons serve their sentence.

While you have the choice to avoid jail time by posting bail or seeking assistance from a bail bondsman in Raleigh, NC, you can’t simply leave prison by paying a fee. You commit a crime; you do the time, or so the saying goes. What happens though when an inmate needs disciplinary action? Well, prisons can subject the incarcerated to solitary confinement.

Solitary Confinement in North Carolina

Prisons subject inmates to solitary confinement for various reasons. This includes separating an aggressive inmate, protecting another, or disciplining an unruly one. Offenses that range from fighting to spitting on someone can land an inmate a 60-day solitary confinement, in fact.

North Carolina prisons used to be notorious for their use of the disciplinary tactic, but they are slowly cutting down on the practice because they’re finding it ineffective. Out of the state’s 38,000 prisoners, 5,330 were in solitary confinement at any given day in 2015. Through the effort of authorities, they were able to reduce the number to 2,540 in 2016.

Increases Assault on Staff

State prison Commissioner David Guice said that cases of assault on staff members increase in the locked-down units. Upon observing a decline in these kinds of attacks in states that are moving away from the practice, Guice made it his goal to end North Carolina’s heavy use of the method.

Triggers and Worsens Mental Illness

Inmates with a history of mental illness who spend time in solitary confinement suffered from worsening symptoms. Psychiatrists also state that the prolonged isolation could trigger depression, anxiety, cognitive disturbances, psychosis, and paranoia in inmates who had no prior symptoms.

Government support for this move has come from the highest position. Former President Barack Obama has already banned the practice of subjecting youth offenders (17 years old and below) to solitary confinement in federal prisons, stating that the prolonged absence of human contact is counterproductive and could result in lasting psychological effects, especially in younger, impressionable individuals.

Inmates spend 23 to 24 hours a day in their cells, which have limited access to sunlight and fresh air. Taking away even the most basic of human contact on top of this has proven to result in negative changes in an inmate’s behavior. Actions to abolish the practice are a step towards rehabilitating, not punishing, people who have committed a crime.

As the name implies, long-term disability insurance is a coverage that protects people during long periods of impairment. Also described as income replacement insurance, this kind of coverage acts as a monthly salary when one cannot work because of disability.

How Does the Insurance Work?

In the occurrence of a disability, you will receive a paycheck from the insurer as a means of salary. The amount and payment schedule, however, depends on your individual policy. When it comes to spending for the coverage, Haffner Law and other disability insurance lawyers in Los Angeles suggest an equivalent of 1% to 3% as reduced in annual salary.

What are the Pros and Cons?

Apart from reducing the risks of financial trouble during impairment, disability insurance protects you from spending your retirement savings prematurely. There are no restrictions when it comes to using the insurance money, as it also doesn’t entail a penalty. Disability insurances are tax-free and can last for a long time.

Like most policies, however, disability insurance can cost you a significant amount. Many people pay for it during long periods of their career to ensure the consistency of the coverage. Another disadvantage is that it cannot aid your family when you die since its only purpose is to cover your financial needs and responsibilities during impairment.

Are There Alternatives?

If this kind of coverage doesn’t impress you, you can always go for other kinds of policies. Some of them are the following:

Self-insurance – A self-insurance can cover several aspects of your life, as it’s a pool of money you can use when an unexpected loss occurs.

Family insurance – If you’re looking for a policy that can branch out to immediate members of your family, this kind of insurance is ideal.

Short-term disability insurance – This is like a long-term disability insurance, but more affordable. This kind of coverage starts paying after your disability and stops after a few months.

Before getting disability insurance, make sure that you understand its terms and payments to prevent any misunderstanding with your insurance policy. Knowing everything about the coverage goes a long way.

Among the significant causes of concern in child custody cases in Colorado is the involvement of addiction. This is when allegations arise concerning alcohol and drug abuse by both or one of the parents. Here’s what you need to know:

Proving Allegations Through Criminal History

When you accuse your soon-to-be ex-spouse of substance addiction during a child custody case, presenting proof to the court is vital. You have to show solid evidence that they’re truly an addict. If your spouse has a record of abuse, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or drug possession, you could get their criminal history and show it to the court.

What if There’s No Available Documentation

If your spouse doesn’t have a documented history of addiction, you can get help from a qualified expert, like a private detective. Family law attorneys in Colorado Springs remind that legal professionals are busy people as well. They don’t have the time to follow your partner around. In fact, that’s not part of their job.

Parental Responsibilities Evaluators (PREs) and Child Family Investigators (CFIs) could also request that both or either party undergo alcohol and drug testing. For instance, a hair follicle test could identify specific drugs that a person took in the last 90 days. You, or your PRE or CFI, could likewise request that both parties undergo a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation independently. A Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) will complete their evaluation to establish whether your spouse exhibits certain features of substance abuse. Note that while PREs and CFIs perform evaluations, they only evaluate the substance abuse issue and nothing more.

Drug and alcohol testing and evaluation are crucial to proving accusations of addiction in child custody cases. Depending on the results, you could get sole custody of your child and your spouse could get supervised parenting time. Talk to a family lawyer to determine the best approach for your case.

As with any other job in the construction industry, being a plasterer comes with a number of risks. More often than not, you work with tools and equipment that are dangerous if you don’t have the adequate training for it. There will also be times that you need to work at heights, putting yourself at risk for falls and other accidents. What’s even more risky is that not all the personnel on site observe safety precautions.

For the sake of reminding everyone about the importance of a safe working environment, here are some of the safety measures every plasterer should know:

Don’t use vibrating tools and machines. When removing old plaster or fixing the plasterboard, you might need to work with power tools. If it’s possible, ask your employer for low-vibration tools for plastering and other related work. Excessive use of vibrating machines may result in serious health conditions that can damage your muscles, joints, and nerves in the hand.

Avoid lifting loads that weigh over 20 kilograms. Plastering large walls often involves a heavy plaster mix. It is best to lift these heavy mixes using equipment such as a telescopic handler, instead of lifting them by hand. Lifting loads incorrectly or carrying heavy buckets of mixes may result in permanent injury.

Don’t install the scaffolding on your own. Even if the project isn’t huge, scaffolding must only be erected and inspected by a trained safety professional. Also, refrain from making unauthorised adjustments to the existing scaffold, as these alterations may put everyone on site at risk for falls.

Wear gloves and other protective clothing. This should be a matter of common sense, as well as a standard of operations; but, unfortunately, there are other plasterers who still fail to wear the required protective clothing. As a matter of fact, many plasterers ended up leaving the industry because of severe dermatitis, which they got from direct skin contact with mortar.

These are only four of the many important safety precautions plasterers must always observe while on the job. If you can, it is better to ask your supervisor to conduct regular safety training for everyone.

Have you ever wondered how Jane Fonda or Sharon Stone still look so youthful at their age? Many will suspect plastic surgery. But apart from such a complex procedure, most celebrities may rely on the simplicity and ideal results of Botox because it could do more than make anyone appear younger.

Botox Makes You Happy, Literally

Sadhna Wellness Center explains Botox can soften wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing the muscles. But it now appears that aside from reducing the signs of aging, it can also relieve symptoms of depression.

While this phenomenon — referred to as emotional proprioception — is still under investigation, there is sufficient data to indicate that Botox can help with the mental health issue. It can do so without the adverse effects of antidepressants, such as weight gain.

Research Findings

Research published in the June 2016 issue of the Journal of Psychiatric Research reveals that when you inject Botox into frown lines, it also hinders the trigeminal nerve from functioning. This nerve is responsible for telling the brain that you are sad. You can say that Botox “tricks” the brain by not transmitting the message.

The report also went on to note that seasonal depression seemed to subside in people who receive the anti-aging treatment.

Dr. Richard Sherry, a psychologist, believes that the treatment can change a person’s psychological state. Pointing out that the face is the main communication platform, he shares that when you appear stressed out, you exude a negative feeling that also evokes a negative feedback from people you come into contact with or engage.

Botox injections are a good way to fight the signs of aging. Who needs to go under the knife when smoother skin and youthful glow are packed in a syringe and achievable quickly? With its effect on depression, it may also become more than just an aesthetic treatment. Before getting Botox though, make sure you consult with an expert and find out what kind of results you can expect.

The thought of going on a vacation after putting in long months of work sounds like a godsend. You get to walk away from the maddening rush hour traffic and the pressure that comes with office duties. At last, you can have some peace and quiet — even if it’s short-lived.

While some people can afford a month or two of vacation, others have only a few days. Regardless of the number of your vacation days, however, you can still have a great time.

Pick your destination carefully

Your ability to choose a good vacation spot underlies the perfect holiday experience. More than just the cost, you need to consider other crucial factors. If flying outside the state or country, you need to be sure of the weather. Unless you intend to have a staycation and spend most of your time indoors, you should time your vacation to coincide with the area’s favorable weather. Summer is often the best time to travel since you can tour more places at ease.

Pick a memorable vacation activity

Signing up for an LDS holy land tour adds a rarefied twist and meaning to your vacation. It helps you walk the beaten paths that influential biblical figures and have a feel of their surroundings. From Jerusalem to Galilee, you can tour the centers of Christianity and reaffirm your faith. Still, the holy lands make an appealing destination for anyone seeking a fun and exciting holiday destination with a twist of historical influence.

Pace yourself

It is common for people to cram multiple holiday destinations in a short number of vacation days. While that might sound like a good idea, it’s not foolproof. Traveling over a long distance in a few days can take a toll on your health. It can leave you exhausted, so divide your available days in few destinations and spend quality time at each one of them instead.

With a little bit of effort, you can make the most of your holiday. With these considerations, you can turn your vacation time into a fun filled satisfying experience worthy of your time.

Patients are the lifeline of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare-related businesses. Without patients, there’s no revenue coming in to keep operations going. However, treating a patient and getting paid in return are not as simple as they are back in the day.

In recent years, rev-ignition.com noted that the process has become more complicated. This is why many organizations make use of revenue cycle management (RCM) in healthcare to ensure a consistent flow of revenue.

Here are some of the issues that affect revenue flow and how RCM can help address them:

1. First of all, errors in billing and collections can hurt both hospitals and patients.

Errors, especially long-standing ones, can result in the inability of hospitals to receive payments and reimbursements. It can lead to losses of millions of dollars and affect hospital operations due to financial troubles. On the side of patients, errors made in billing and collections can result in huge medical-related debt and even bankruptcy.

RCM helps manage a patient’s billing records. This system can reduce the waiting time between service and payment, which then improves operational efficiency, patient care and satisfaction, and financial health.

2. Inability to monitor the claims process.

Handling claims and reimbursements is a tedious process. If an error takes place, it can mean huge losses, missed windows of opportunities, and even lawsuits. Sometimes, the inability to monitor the entire process of such claims can be tracked to lack of staff.

This is where the RCM system can be of great assistance because of the automation. The system provides automated alerts if there is an error committed or a claim has been denied. This way, claim errors and issues can be quickly addressed instead of spending so much time looking for the error.

3. Lack of skilled professionals in healthcare IT.

Many healthcare organizations are struggling to find the right professionals who have the necessary skills in project management, medical coding development, and clinical documentation management. Sometimes, they simply do not have the budget to hire these professionals on top of their overhead costs. This is where RCM systems can help improve the hospital’s revenue management and financial performance.

It is true that getting an RCM system is a huge investment. If issues like these continue to affect the organization’s financial health and operational efficiency, they are likely to suffer bigger losses ahead. Invest in RCM today and ensure consistent revenue flow for your healthcare-related business.

Product selection is one of the trickiest parts in establishing an online business. It’s natural to gravitate toward products you swear by, but just because you know or love a product, it does not guarantee it will sell.

Consider the following questions:

Will your customers share your sentiments?

Do you have plenty of competition?

If you’re not sure, you can explore the concept of drop shipping as a business model. Drop shipping companies sell their products without keeping the items in stock. Instead, the stores reach out to a supplier and transfer the customer’s orders and shipment details to them. The supplier then ships the products to the customer.

You don’t have to spend money on keeping stocks. You don’t have to employ people to handle the products. And you don’t lose money on products that don’t sell; you only pay for goods that your know your customers will want.

Here is a game plan to help you make the most of this retail method:

Know the trends.

Start by learning about best-selling products on online shops such as Amazon or eBay, then search for drop ship products that fall under a similar type. Once you sort through this, figure out how you can sell for less. Remember: drop shippers benefit from impressive discounts and customers are big fans of low prices.

Take advantage of trends to entice more consumers.

Also, watch over the changes in trends and bestsellers. For example, some items will sell better around the holidays, when school starts, or during summer.

Test the drop ship products.

Another way to use drop ship to your advantage is by testing products in your niche market. Since there’s no such thing as one-product category limits in drop shipping, set up different categories in your Amazon or eBay store, then test all of your products. Identify the overall best sellers, as well as the best sellers in each category.

Discover new products, new markets.

Online shops are free to have several product categories that appeal to a particular target audience. If you want a more specific approach, specialize in one-product niche first, and evaluate the results. Even if you already have a successful niche, never tire of learning about newer product preferences or specialized markets.

Simply put: never stop testing. You’ll never know what’s in store in the world of drop shipping.

Successfully finding your market niche in drop shipping involves taking advantage of drop shipping itself. Never stop learning about the business to ensure the stream of customers never stop as well.